Can I connect a handycam to my focuser/ep?

Varangian (John) · #1 10-07-2012, 11:55 AM

Hi all, I have a Sony Handycam with a Zeiss zoom and I am wondering if I can rig this up to my Newtonian to take some images of the moon. The lens has a thread on the inside of it to facilitate the connection of an adapter and I am just wanting a starting point as to what I will need to purchase to 'connect' this to one of my eyepieces. Will I need a T-ring/adapter? Will I connect the handy cam to my focuser or into (and through) an eyepiece? The handycam has a 2000x digital zoom and 40x Carl Zeiss optical zoom (helpful?). Will I zoom with my focuser or through the handy cam? I have GSO wide field and Baader Hyperion eps.

I am really only wanting to try to capture a few images of the moon. Any gyuidance is appreciated to help me take this first step. I have absolutely no idea which way I am going with this

but I would like to waste some time trying in the comfort of my backyard. Regards, John.

Varangian (John) · #2 10-07-2012, 12:01 PM

I have uploaded an image if it helps.

Poita (Peter) · #3 10-07-2012, 12:17 PM

Yes you can, what is the thread diameter?
You can get a series of adapters to make it work, or can construct a mount to hold the camera in line with the eyepiece holder.

Varangian (John) · #4 10-07-2012, 12:50 PM

excellent question I will have a look in the manual tonight (you mean diameter between each individual thread or a general width of the thread i.e. dimensions across?). If dimension across it is 30mm across. Thanks.

Varangian (John) · #5 11-07-2012, 10:06 AM

*bump

Does anyone have any further advice regarding what I might need to get a set up using my camcorder conected to my scope?

Will I need a 30mm adapter as below?

Does the adapter fit straight into the focuser or over/into the eyepiece?

I just want to get some pics of the moon with my son

ZeroID (Brent) · #6 11-07-2012, 11:38 AM

I suspect that just 'hanging' the Handycam off the foccuser might be a bit weighty and unstabe. What you are attempting to do is called 'afocal' photography and most people with a scope have done it by either just hopefully aiming a point and shoot camera at the eyepiece and being able to hold it steady long enough to get a goodish shot .
You are attempting to do a bit of video which might need a little more stabilty to maintain position over the eyepiece for a longer time. There are brackets\mounts available from some astro suppliers that can do that, might need some mods to fit a video but they are available. Otherwise you can maybe DIY one up your self.

Chris.B (Christopher) · #7 11-07-2012, 12:11 PM

It is like connecting a point and shoot camera. Use what ever you can to get the camera parallel to the eyepiece and it should work. start wide angle once you get it set up and then zoom in. It will neeed manual focus or an infinity set.

If you can find an adapter to the thread shown you may be able to use an adapter to go to a T mount and use an afocal setup.

I have seen people use a seperate tripod and align it on that to the eyepiece. You'll have to adjust it after every minute or so.

Hope that helps

Poita (Peter) · #8 11-07-2012, 12:34 PM

Drop into Bintel in Melbourne and take your camera with you, they should be able to steer you in the right direction.

519 Burke Road (cnr Clifton Road)
Camberwell VIC 3124
Australia

Varangian (John) · #9 11-07-2012, 01:41 PM

Hmmm okay I see what you mean with weight being an issue, especially I using 2" wide fields as well. I will try to fabricate something up, I have a number of old tripods laying around, I don't want to construct anything off the tube. Thanks everyone it should get me by until I can get a entry level camera set up going.